This is a great ship for relaxing and classic cruising. Although I am prone to seasickness on her, I still sail her as often as possible. The size and the level of service keeps me loyal to Jewel.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Printed out everything as recommended from other cruisers. Wasn't really necessary but I was prepared. Showed vaccine records twice; not several times. They didn't appear to be concerned with check in times, but I could be wrong. Process took about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Windjammer was ok and not as much variety as my previous cruise. I understand the "simplicity" considering that we aren't serving ourselves and the buffet is busy enough. Food quality was fine but I was very disappointed in the French toast; it was in stick form which cheapened the experience. They consistently served a different version of avocado toast at the egg station which was nice. It was different to not have the usual drink orders by the servers, we typically had to get our own drinks. They may have been understaffed and overworked so it was just an adjustment.
Dined in the MDR only twice for dinner and breakfast. Breakfast appeared to have a language barrier and a lack of enthusiasm to please customers. The senior staff still provided the Royal treatment, and it was much appreciated. Dinner on the other hand was excellent and some of the best service ever on each night. The short ribs were not as good as I was used to but everything else was superb.
Chops Grille
3 out of 5
Upset that the mushroom soup is no longer served & replaced with a butternut squash soup. Filet was not as great as Giovanni's, but was good. The spinach and tater tots were nice. Red velvet cake tastes like straight up chocolate cake in my opinion. Service was fine, but nothing exceptional.
Giovanni's Table
5 out of 5
Sabri was our waiter and was fantastic! He fed us like a grandma lol. Filet mignon was outstanding, was easily one of the best I've had ever. Pork belly, caprese salad and pasta were excellent as well.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We were on this cruise for relaxation so we were satisfied with the activities onboard. We go on the bigger/newer ships for more adventure.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Stateroom attendants were all nice even the ones that weren't ours lol. You pass them in the hallway and they engage you as if they are your attendants.
Either this ship had a lot of new crew or worn out ones. So it was a mixed experience of service levels. There were enough good apples to avoid the bad ones from spoiling the bunch though.
Loved Stanley at the pool bar, Muhammad & Jay in the MDR for dinner service, Teo & Daryl in the Windjammer and Reynaldo & Ida on deck 10 aft as Stateroom attendants.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Always cleaning the stairwell armrails but a little slower in the buffet with the tables.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Nice but some of the cabinetry needed repairs or replacement. Balcony was spacious but only had one lounger and a typical adjustable balcony chair, 2 upright chairs and a small table. Bed was comfortable. Walk-in closet and full bath is always a treat in a JS.
Ship tip
Understand that this is more of a classic cruise ship and keep expectations in line with that.
Went to Jaime's Blue Reef and although the service was great it did not live up to the hype from online reviews in my opinion. Food menu for all-inclusive was very limited, not even guacamole. The top shelf drinks tasted like the routine all-inclusive beach club drinks. Not at all like drinks on the ship or at restaurants/bars. The section of water was not deep enough for swimming and the water was not full of the stinky brown stuff (sargassum). There was some ladies next beach over that were offering massages on the beach at $20 for 45 minutes. Service from Juan and Digby was excellent, but he edged her out with his drive to go the extra mile. Would probably go Don Lolo tacos at the port next time as the constant sales pitches from the same vendors was annoying on top of the overall club experience.
You choose your type of fun here & we did just the lounger and umbrella situation on Chill Island Beach. Ate at the buffet which could get crazy sometimes due to the staff serving the food & condiments. Burger was fantastic and the steak taco was okay. Service was great from the staff allover the island.
The numbers were not quite in sync with the printed schedule but it was smooth. The customs stations were quick as well. Process took about 15 minutes total.
I would recommend pre-arranged transportation to the airport. It was a mess trying to get an Uber which was charging over $60 for a ride to Miami airport! Unsure of Lyft prices. We were able to get a $10 pp van ride but stood waiting for a long time. Just a heads up but not a reflection on the cruise line.
Appreciate the review tip "Understand that this is more of a classic cruise ship and keep expectations in line with that." as it can keep expectations in check with all the new ships out there.
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